Psoriasis of the feet is a common problem. It can be caused by hormonal disorders, weakened immune system and other reasons. It can be treated with medications, traditional medical prescriptions and physiotherapy procedures.
Causes and risk factors of psoriasis in the legs
Psoriasis of the legs is a pathology that doctors can not determine the cause. However, possible triggers include:
- Heredity. The disease can be inherited (from parents to children).
- Disorders of the central nervous system. Stress often leads to disruption of many processes in the body. In many patients, such rashes are clearly visible after stressful situations.
- Hormonal disorders in the body. Disorders of the endocrine system lead to metabolic disorders that are a trigger for the overproduction of skin cells.
- Weakened immunity. Psoriasis develops against the background of infectious diseases. The risk group includes patients who often suffer from viral infections and respiratory diseases (bronchitis, tonsillitis).
- Mechanical damage to the skin.
- Climate change.
- Frequent use of certain medications.
- Abuse of hygiene products that kill beneficial microorganisms in the skin.
- Use of chemicals.
- Food supplements, meals containing alcohol.
Classification and symptoms of psoriasis in the legs
There are several types of the disease, each with its own symptoms:
- General (spotted, vulgar). The most common type of psoriasis, affecting almost 90 percent of all patients. It manifests itself in the form of rashes in the form of red spots, which quickly spread to the feet. Small plaques 3-4 cm in diameter, if left untreated, can combine to form large rashes. Accompanied by severe itching, bleeding may occur during scratching. Rash on the knees occurs with such symptoms.
- Exudative (pustular). This type is rare and occurs in a more severe form. Recurrent relapses are possible. Therapeutic complex therapy takes a lot of time. Pustular rashes with a clear liquid often bleed, the patient's skin is constantly warm. This type is observed in the legs and feet.
- In the form of drops (dots). Not very common. It is characterized by red or red dot eruptions resembling a drop. Streptococcus bacteria are the main trigger for this species. The rash is localized in the knees.
- Reverse. During the disease, pale pink spots appear, smooth to the touch. There is no peeling, but sometimes a slight peeling of the skin can be observed. The spots do not rise above the surface of the skin, but are concentrated on the inside of the thigh.
- Psoriatic onychodystrophy (nail psoriasis). As the name suggests, the disease affects the nail bed and the surrounding skin. Dots appear on the nails where the color of the nail plate changes (turns yellow or white). Stains appear on them, they become brittle. Sometimes blood flows under the nails. Separation of nails from soft tissues occurs - onycholysis. Later scars appear.
- Psoriatic erythroderma. Red rashes are characterized by peeling of the skin, intolerable itching, swelling and swelling of the lymph nodes. Erythroderma has a wide range of lesions - from the groin to the legs.
- Psoriasis on the legs. This type of disease causes a lot of pain to the patient. Wounds and cracks that are constantly bleeding and prevent walking are visible while walking. Blisters are localized on the heels, around the nails, on the pads of the fingers and between them. Constant friction causes severe itching and itching irritation, which can lead to fungal infections. To some extent, sweating contributes to the development of rashes on the feet. Sweat is an excellent breeding ground for the development of pathogens that cause inflammation.
- Psoriatic arthritis (psoriasis of the joints). This type develops not only in the epidermis, but also in the joints. Psoriasis affects the knee and finger joints. The main symptom of the development of arthritis in the legs is the curvature of the joints and changes in their size. As a result, the joints and limbs become uncomfortable (a small bone appears near the finger). The dermis in this area stretches and turns dark red, swelling is observed.
Drug treatment for psoriasis
Medications for psoriasis depend on the stage of the disease.
- Light. Topical therapy (ointments, creams, gels) is used to treat this mild disease. Salicylic and zinc ointments show good results. To achieve high results of treatment, a complex therapy containing drugs containing hormonal components and vitamins is used. They use the drug ditranol.
- Medium. For the treatment of this degree of the disease, all treatment methods are important to eliminate all the symptoms of the disease. In addition to drug therapy, laser therapy, light therapy, as well as plasmaphoresis (removal of toxins from the blood) and cryotherapy (cold therapy) are used. In case of complications, corticosteroid ointments are prescribed: hydrocortisone, cortisone.
- Heavy. This degree is the most difficult and requires treatment by all means and methods that eliminate the symptoms of psoriasis in the legs. In these cases, drugs that suppress immune reactions, antihistamines and antibiotics are prescribed.
Physiotherapy for psoriasis
Physiotherapy effectively complements the drug treatment of psoriasis. There are several methods of physiotherapy procedures in medical practice:
- Light therapy for the feet. Ultraviolet radiation is the most effective treatment for psoriasis. The method involves exposure to ultraviolet rays in a medical facility. No side effects were found, it does not affect the body. After light therapy, the plaques are reduced and in 80% of cases the patient recovers completely.
- Cryotherapy. The method is based on the treatment of colds. The course can last from one to six months. With psoriasis of the legs, a local procedure is prescribed only when the cold is directed to certain lesions. These sessions reduce itching, inflammation, promote tissue repair and slow down the formation of new scales.
- UV blood count (plasmaphoresis). This method is relatively new in medicine, its distinctive feature is the result of rapid treatment. The essence of the procedure is to insert a tube into a vein where blood is shed in a special device. There, the blood is exposed to ultraviolet radiation and then returned. The procedure is performed with complete sterility.
- Puva therapy. The method of treatment is prescribed for patients with severe forms of psoriasis. It is based on the use of psoralen, a substance that increases the sensitivity of cells to ultraviolet radiation. The method is highly effective, after 25 sessions abundant rashes almost disappear.
Traditional medicine recipes for psoriasis
- Many patients use traditional medicine to treat the disease. It can be tinctures, baths, lotions, decoctions. Various herbs, such as calendula, chamomile, and celandine, are used to cleanse the skin. They are able to eliminate inflammation and burning sensation.
- broths. For the broth you need to use a range (2 tablespoons), celandine (1 tablespoon), licorice root (2 tablespoons) and oregano (1 tablespoon). All herbs are mixed and infused for 20 minutes. Broth is taken orally half a glass 2 times a day. This remedy is effective for mild psoriasis.
- Ointments. There are many folk recipes for making ointment based on maple tar.
- Mix maple resin (50 ml) with olive oil (50 ml). Apply the ointment to painful skin, preferably before going to bed, wrap it in gauze. Rinse with lukewarm water in the morning.
- Maple resin (30 ml), castor oil (30 ml), honey (60 grams) and 2 chicken eggs. Mix all ingredients and keep in a cool place for 2 days. Apply the prepared mixture every day for a month.
- Baths. Traditional medicine offers the treatment of diseases of the legs using celandine-based baths. Celandine not only helps to eliminate rashes, but also eliminates the causes of the disease. The plant is poured boiling water and infused for an hour. Filter the infusion and add to the foot bath. Bath time is not more than 15 minutes.
- Compresses. Also, with psoriasis in the legs, potato compresses will help. To make such a compress, you need to grate the potatoes and put the prepared composition on your feet, wrap them with cling film. The duration of the compress is not more than three hours.
Diet
Diet plays an important role in psoriasis. In case of severe inflammation, it is necessary to follow some dietary rules. Do not eat salty, salty and fatty foods. Sweets, citrus fruits and dairy products are also contraindicated during the disease. It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol.
Complications and consequences
If left untreated, any illness can lead to serious complications. Psoriasis of the feet can lead to the following consequences:
- occurrence of pain while walking;
- common psoriasis can turn into erythroderma;
- occurrence of other infections;
- disruption of metabolic processes;
- reduction of the protective functions of the epidermis;
- violation of skin thermoregulation.
Prevention of psoriasis in the legs
Psoriasis can be prevented if you follow all preventive measures. Recommendations for prevention:
- treat your feet with antibacterial and nourishing drugs;
- treat toenails to prevent fungal infection;
- sun treatment;
- you should ventilate your feet when wearing closed shoes;
- frequent physical activity.
The main rule in the prevention of any disease is to follow a healthy lifestyle.